Oral Answers to Questions

John McNally Excerpts

Wednesday 15th June 2022 Commons Chamber

The President of COP26 was asked—

[John Mc Nally (Falkirk) (SNP)]

1. What recent assessment he has made of the role of the fossil fuel industry in meeting the UK’s COP26 climate commitments.

[Chris Stephens (Glasgow South West) (SNP)]

3. What recent assessment he has made of the role of the fossil fuel industry in meeting the UK’s COP26 climate commitments.

[The COP26 President (Alok Sharma)]

The Government are committed to a managed transition from fossil fuels to green energy as we work to deliver on our 2050 net zero commitment.

[John Mc Nally]

The UN Secretary-General has called investment in new fossil fuel production and power plants “moral and economic madness”. The European Parliament has objected to plans to include gas in the definition of sustainable energy. Surely the COP26 President must agree that the Westminster Government are making a mockery of their presidency at COP. Not only have they increased support for fossil fuels, but their renewables policy is disguising billions in subsidies for biomass. How does he square the Government’s plans with the UK’s COP26 commitment and with the views of his possible future boss?

[Alok Sharma]

I am very happy with my current boss, the Prime Minister. If the hon. Gentleman looks at the British energy security strategy, which was published a few weeks ago, it clearly sets out our commitment to a clean energy future. He knows that our stated aim is to decarbonise the electricity sector by 2035, and we stand by that.